Does it make sense to jQuery cache $(this)?

Question

I'm still learning about jQuery, but I have not been able to find a solid answer. I know every time you use the jQuery selector $(...) there is a performance cost, but does $(this) have a significant cost where you should cache it before using it a lot?

var $this = $(this);

Answer 1

If you're using it a lot, yes it makes sense, or chain, e.g.:

$(this).fadeIn().fadeOut().somethingElse();

If it expensive? No not really in the grand scheme of things...but if you're in a loop the cost multiplies so it's best to cache it. If you're using it more than once it makes sense, how much sense depends on how much performance matters for that bit of code I suppose.